1952 Montrose
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted at the Montrose vertical in Stamford, the 1952 Montrose was showing wonderfully. Mature in color with tawny rim, the bouquet was less austere than many other 1952 Clarets that I have encountered, with adequate red berry fruit, scents of an old stately home, mahogany furniture and autumn leaves all beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied, but there is real weight and presence here for a more than 60-year-old Saint Estèphe. Still fresh and with an almost citrus-like finish, this marvelous Montrose continues to give pleasure. Tasted May 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Château bottled. Difficult to guess retrospectively when this would have been in its prime but this particular bottle was certainly well past it. I see that I thought the 1952 tasted at the Taillevent vertical in 2005 of bottles straight from the château was also past its best (see this tasting note ). Pale/mid ruby with a little sweetness and some oxidation. I wondered whether it might even be an old rioja! It certainly struck no one at the table as definitively bordeaux. There was a certain firmness underneath though. (JR)
Transparent ruby with obvious age on the rim. Nose quite light. Certainly great purity but this is losing fruit and is much less intense than the 1953. Sweet, chewy, lively, a bit chunky and just the merest hint of fishiness. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Montrose is one of two Second Growths from Saint-Estèphe and one of the most consistent producers in Bordeaux. The wines from this property are both elegant and powerful, and some of the Médoc's most age-worthy .